auckland

Auckland

Imagine an urban environment where everybody lives within half and hour of beautiful beaches, hiking trails and a dozen enchanted holiday islands. Add a sunny climate, a background rhythm of Polynesian culture and a passion for outstanding food, wine and shopping - you're beginning to get the picture of Auckland, our largest and most diverse city.

The early morning calm on the isthmus during settled weather, before the sea breeze rises, was described as early as 1853: "in all seasons, the beauty of the day is in the early morning. At the time, generally, a solemn stillness holds, and a perfect calm prevails..."

Being at the narrowest point of the North Island, it literally stretches itself from one side of the country to the other, from the Pacific Ocean to the Tasman Sea. This means, wherever you are in Auckland, you're never far from the water. And what an amazing body it is, the Waitemata Harbour -  Maori for "sparkling waters" - leads to the Hauraki Gulf, 4000km2 of stunning island-filled marine beauty. From wild surf beaches to more tranquil waters, the Hauraki and all its attractions provide the canvas for Auckland, the City of Sails. The harbour is often dotted with hundreds of yachts and has more per capita than any other city in the World.

In the Maori language ('Te Reo'), Auckland is known as Tamaki-Makau-Rau - 'the maiden with a hundred suitors', because it was a region coveted by many tribes. The name still holds true, as Auckland's lifestyle is ranked amongst the best in the World.

Auckland is a city of 50 volcanoes that take the form of cones, lakes, lagoons, islands and depressions. The individual volcanoes are all considered extinct and you are never short of a magnificent view of the city from the top. Maungawhau (Mt Eden) and Maungakiekie (One Tree Hill) offer a 360 degree panoramic view. The most recent and by far the largest volcano, Rangitoto Island, was formed within the last 1000 years. Rangitoto's size, its amost perfect symmetry, its position guarding the entrance to Waitemata Harbour and its visibility from many parts of the Auckland region make it Auckland's most iconic natural feature. Take the ferry and walk or train to the top for amazing views.

Waiheke Island is an enjoyable 40 minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland and well worth the trip. The landscape is a pictureque blend of farmland, forest, beaches, vineyards and olive groves.

Central Auckland is home to adventure.   Thrills and spills from Sky Tower or bungee off the Harbour Bridge to get a birds eye view of the harbour.

Kiwis love to sail so get out on the water.   Head off to one of the 50 glorious islands in the Hauraki Gulf, cast a line or enjoy a meal on the water at sunset.   Within easy distance you can get to Waiheke, Kawau, Rakino, Motutapu islands - or why not jump off at Rangitoto and take the shortest and popular route up this wonderfully shaped volcano that dominates the harbour.   Climb through lava fields and forest to the peak at 259 metres above sea level.   The summit gives the best views of Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf.

Take in some exercise on an excursion in to the Waitakere Ranges.   This guided tour will introduce you to the 'wild west' of Auckland.   We will get you out on the trails to see waterfalls and fauna, and listen to local birdlife in the ranges and then down on to the wild windswept beaches made famous by The Piano.

If you're feeling energetic you can walk the coast to cvoast highway, a 16km trail across Auckland that takes you from one side of the country to the other !   The walk takes you through woodland settings, windswept hills, charming parks and gardens, captivating architectural treasures and fascinating geographical landforms.   You also experience panoramic views stretching across Auckland city and the region.

Get out of town.   Take a days excursion to Auckland's backyard where you can find some beautiful spots close to the city.   Visit the wonderful boutique village of Matakana.   See the sights of the historic goldmining towns on the Coromandel Peninsula.   Head down to the famous Waitomo Caves to experience an underground adventure to see glowworms, or take a wild black water rafting ride through rock, water and darkness.

Cross the harbour and take a day trip to Waiheke Island.   Get there in style aboard a private launch or helicopter straight in, we will be there to meet you for an excursion around the stunning wineries and eateries that populate this island oasis.   With views from every angle your glass of wine will be accompanied by a vista that takes your breath away.   Enjoy a vineyard lunch and admore some of the local sculptures you pass as you get off the beaten track.

If you love birdlife, cvatch a ferry to Tiri Tiri Matangi - a conservation success story started in 1984.   Birdsong bnow resounds at this wildlife sanctuary after a major conservation project bought it back to its forest state and eradicated the rat and pest population.   Endemic birds found here include Fantail, Takahe, Bellbird, Brown teal, Grey Warbler, North Island Robin, North Island Saddleback, Rifleman, Kereru and the North Island Tomti amongst others.